Four skollies who robbed and killed a man in Kewtown have been handed hefty sentences on Monday.
The members of the Wonder Kids gang were convicted and sentenced at the Western Cape High Court, three years after their arrest.
At the time, residents said the 38-year old victim was shot several times and crashed his VW Polo into a park in Eland Street.
The heartless skelms stole his car battery and radio before cops arrived on the scene.
Police arrested Chad Heugh, Owen Hendricks and Marcelino du Plessis who were sentenced to an effective 14 years direct imprisonment, while Dale Swartz will serve life and a further 22 years in prison.
Police spokesman Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi says: “The hard work and dedication by Anti-Gang Unit detectives paid off when members of the Wonder Kids gang were convicted and sentenced in the Western Cape High court on Monday, 11 October 2021.
“The four accused were on trial for the murder of a civilian who was robbed and killed in Eland Street, Kewtown, Athlone on 26 July 2018.
“They were found guilty on charges of murder, robbery with aggravated circumstances, POCA Act, and the possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.”
Swartz’s sentences will run concurrently.
All four accused were also found unfit to possess a firearm.
Western Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembisile Patekile, welcomed the sentences, saying that this sends out a strong message that the courts are tackling gangs.
Patekile adds: “The investigation team have done excellent work in this matter and I commend them for their hard work and dedication.”